CLEVELAND – The “What’s Going on remix song was made in October as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign. The Cleveland man behind it, MJ the DJ, hopes it will also help curb crime.
The 22-year-old “MJ” grew up on Cleveland’s northeast side, the cite of 29 murders as of Dec. 15, 2012.
“People seem to follow what I do and maybe my voice can make a difference, ” he said from his Cleveland Heights studio. “Everybody listens to music, everybody. No matter what type of person you are, music touches you in some kind of way.”
In 2012, Cleveland had 97 murders compared to 75 in 2011. Police feel the uptick in violence is from a huge drug bust they did on the northeast side of the city where they took down 70 drug dealers in June 2012.
MJ the DJ is happy to hear about the bust and hopes it sends a message to young kids that the violent path is not the way.
“It’s not worth it. You’re young right now, but you’re going to be 50 one day. What are you going to be doing when you’re 50? You cant be doing the same thing,” MJ said.
The video samples Marvin Gaye’s hit song “What’s Going On” and has several area rappers and singers in it.
The song lasts about 7 minutes and has some familiar themes: peace and love. It also has a sign which reads Emilliano Terry, the 3-year-old boy who was found dead at a waste treatment plant. His mother, Camilia Terry, is the suspect in young Emilliano’s death.
“People need to channel their energy into something positive, no matter what your background is,” MJ explained. He’s hoping his lyrics can strike a chord and help curb violence.
Article Courtesy of WEWS NewsChannel 5
